U.S. patent application number 10/783915 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for device and method for measuring the length of a fish.
Invention is credited to Bini, Vincent Patrick.
Application Number | 20040163267 10/783915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32872063 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040163267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bini, Vincent Patrick |
August 26, 2004 |
Device and method for measuring the length of a fish
Abstract
A compact and portable measuring device that is quickly and
easily attachable to a fish holding device, at an end of the fish,
and provides a visually readable scale, which can be used to easily
identify the length of the fish and can later be read in a
photograph of the fish and measuring device, even if taken at a
distance away from the fish and the device.
Inventors: |
Bini, Vincent Patrick;
(Coral Springs, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLEIT KAIN GIBBONS GUTMAN & BONGINI
COURVOISIER CENTRE II, SUITE 404
601 BRICKELL KEY DRIVE
MIAMI
FL
33131
US
|
Family ID: |
32872063 |
Appl. No.: |
10/783915 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60448325 |
Feb 20, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
33/511 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 97/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
033/511 |
International
Class: |
G01D 021/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for measuring the length of a fish comprising: a
foldable tape section having distance indicators along the length
of said tape; and a base section attachable to a fish-holding
device and to said foldable tape section.
2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said base is provided
with a groove penetrating completely through said base and
extending from an edge of said base toward a center area of said
base.
3. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein said base is provided
with a means for obstructing the pathway of said groove.
4. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said distance
indicators are evenly-spaced lines along the length of said
tape.
5. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said distance
indicators are incremented numbers.
6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the color of said
distance indicators is selected so as to contrast with the color of
said tape.
7. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising said tape
being removably attached to said base.
8. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising said tape
having a first end and a second end opposite said first end, with
said first end being attachable to said base and a weighted object
being attached to said second end.
9. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said tape is made of a
washable cloth material.
10. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said tape is made of
a washable plastic material.
11. A method of measuring a fish comprising: holding a fish at a
first end with a holding device; attaching a measuring device,
having a base and a measuring tape, to the holder at the first end
of the fish; extending the measuring tape longitudinally in the
direction of the body of the fish with the fish being positioned
between the tape and an observer; and visually determining the
length of the fish by comparing a distal second end of the fish to
distance indicators provided on the tape.
12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising taking a
photograph of the fish and measuring device, with the fish being
located between the tape and the camera so that the length of the
fish is recorded on film.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/448,325 filed Feb.
20, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates primarily to measuring the length of a
fish. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a
device having visible, clearly defined markings and means of
attachment to a fish-holding device, so that the length of the fish
can easily and quickly be determined.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Measuring devices are well known in the art. Tape measures,
yardsticks, and rulers have been in use in the United States for
hundreds of years for a practically unlimited number of uses. One
specific use of a measuring device is to determine the length of a
caught fish.
[0006] People who participate in the activity of fishing, often
base the determination of their success upon the size of the fish
that they catch. It is therefore often desirable to record the size
of the fish caught. The size of a fish can be determined by
measuring its weight or length. It is, however, a difficult
endeavor to measure a fish's length due to the fact that fish are
often, among other things, slippery, hard to grip, and
non-stationary, i.e., wiggling or jumping.
[0007] One prior-art device for measuring the length of a fish is
U.S. Pat. No. D448,687 to Landwerlen, commercially know as the
"Redfish Board". The Redfish Board is 32" long, made from aircraft
aluminum with lines, numbers and letters embossed into the surface,
and resembles a rigid yardstick with an "L" shaped bend at one end.
The Redfish Board is used by laying a fish on its surface, with one
end of the fish touching the "L" portion of the Board, which is the
zero mark. One can then look at the other end of the fish and read
the embossed marking on the Board, indicating the length of the
fish. The Redfish Board, however, has several disadvantages. Since
the Redfish Board is 32" long and rigid, it is difficult to carry,
store, and use, especially on boats having small areas within which
to work. Also, the Redfish board is used in a horizontal plane,
which causes it to also suffer from the problem of a live fish
moving and sliding either off of the Board or away from the zero
mark, causing false readings. Additionally, because the measuring
is accomplished by laying the fish on the Board's measuring
surface, and fish inherently produce slime, the Redfish Board must
be cleaned each time it is used. Finally, the Redfish Board's
numbers and letters are small and have low contrast, making them
difficult to read without the reader being in close proximity to
the Board. If a fisherman were to try to capture the measurement on
film, he would have to stand above the Board, hoping the fish
wouldn't move away from the zero mark, and take a picture straight
down from eye level. Due to the above-mentioned low contrast and
small numbers, the exact length of the fish is difficult to capture
on the film, even if the fish does remain motionless.
[0008] The same manufacturer of the Redfish Board also manufactures
similar devices sold under the trade name "Bluwater Measuring
Board". The Bluwater Measuring Board is provided in a blue color,
and available in lengths of 38" and 42", making them even less
portable than the above described Redfish Board. The Bluwater Board
suffers from the same difficulty in reading the measurement and
recording the length of the fish on film.
[0009] Another prior-art device is commercially known as the
"Golden Rule" and is similar to the above-mentioned Redfish Board
and Bluwater Measuring Board. The Golden Rule is a ruler made of
{fraction (1/8)}" anodized gold aluminum with lines, numbers, and
letters embossed into the surface. The Golden Rule suffers from all
of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior-art. Although it
is available in lengths of 12", 18", and 22", shorter than the
previously mentioned prior-art measuring devices, it is still
difficult to store, carry, and use a length of "L" shaped aluminum
in those lengths. Additionally, while the shorter length may prove
slightly easier to store and use, it is then limited to the size
fish that it can measure.
[0010] A tape-measure-type device provides an advantage of compact
storing area. However, prior art tape-measure-type devices consist
of a thin strip containing the numbers and markings, which are
small and difficult to read. These prior-art devices also do not
provide an easy way to measure from the very tip of one end of the
fish to the other. One would have to hold the fish and both ends of
the tape measure to get an accurate measurement of the length of
the fish. If the tape is made to touch the ends of the fish, the
curvature of the body will cause the reading to be inaccurate.
Also, due to the size of the markings on the tape, the numbers will
not be easily seen in a picture taken of the fish.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an
apparatus and method for quickly, easily, and accurately
determining and/or recording the length of a fish, which overcomes
the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-know
devices and methods of this general type. With the foregoing and
other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the
invention, a device for measuring the length of a fish comprising a
foldable tape section having distance indicators along the length
of the tape, and a base section attachable to a fish-holding device
and to the foldable tape.
[0012] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also
provided a method of measuring a fish comprising: holding a fish at
a first end with a holding device; attaching a measuring device,
having a base and a measuring tape, to the holder at the first end
of the fish; extending the measuring tape longitudinally in the
direction of the body of the fish with the fish being positioned
between the tape and an observer; and visually determining the
length of the fish by comparing a distal second end of the fish to
distance indicators provided on the tape.
[0013] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the
base is provided with a groove penetrating completely through the
base and extending from an edge of the base toward a center area of
the base.
[0014] In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the
distance indicators are evenly-spaced lines along the length of the
tape.
[0015] In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention,
the distance indicators are incremented numbers.
[0016] In accordance with yet an additional feature of the
invention, the color of the distance indicators is selected so as
to contrast with the color of the tape.
[0017] In accordance with again another feature of the invention,
the tape is removably attached to the base.
[0018] In accordance with again an additional feature of the
invention, the tape has a first end and a second end opposite the
first end, with the first end being attachable to the base and a
weighted object being attached to the second end.
[0019] In accordance with again a further feature of the invention,
the tape is made of a washable cloth material.
[0020] In accordance with still a further feature of the invention,
the base is provided with a means for obstructing the pathway of
the groove in the base.
[0021] In accordance with a concomitant mode of the invention,
there is provided a method of taking a photograph of the fish and
measuring device, with the fish being located between the tape and
the camera so that the length of the fish is recorded on film.
[0022] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in a device and method for measuring the length of a
fish, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the
details shown because various modifications and structural changes
may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the
invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the
claims.
[0023] The construction and method of operation of the invention,
however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof,
will be best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fish being held in a fish-holding
device;
[0025] FIG. 2 is diagram of the base of the measuring device;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the measuring tape attached to the
base;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the base and measuring tape attached
to a fish-holding device; and
[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the base with a securing cord
bridging the groove.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail, and
in particular to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a fish 1 held by the
jaws 4 of a holder 2 attached to the lip 3 of the fish 1. The jaws
4 of the holder 2 place pressure at a single point 5 on the lip 3
of the fish 1. Because pressure is only applied at a single point
5, the fish 1 can pivot around the single point 5 and the weight of
the fish 1 causes the fish to hang in a vertical orientation, with
the edge 6 of the lip 3, defining a first end of the fish 1,
directly above the distal tail 7, defining a second end of the fish
1.
[0030] Variations on the holding device 2 shown in FIG. 1 can be
used to achieve the same result. It is, however, a goal of the
invention that the fish 1 be oriented in the same plane and
direction as the measuring device 18, which will be described in
detail in the proceeding paragraphs.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows the base 8 of the measuring device 18. It can
be seen from the diagram that base 8 consists of two flat sections
9, 10 joined at an approximately 90 degree angle, forming an "L"
shaped configuration. The base can be constructed of almost any
material which can maintain the "L" shape and allow for attachment
of the measuring tape 15 (to be described below). In a preferred
embodiment, the base material is aluminum, which is inexpensive,
durable, and resistive to rust when exposed to salt water.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, a first section 9 of the base 8 has a
finger-shaped groove 11, penetrating entirely through the section
9, and running from one edge 12 of the section 9 to a point near
the center 13 of the section 9. The second section 10 of the base 8
is provided with an attachment point 14 for connecting a measuring
tape 15 (not shown). The attachment point 14 is shown in FIG. 2 as
a tubular slot formed in an end of the second section 10.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows the tape 15 attached to the base 8, creating
complete measuring device 18. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a
tubular-shaped object 16 attached to an end of measuring tape 15 is
inserted into slot 14 of base 8. This construction provides the
advantage of being able to separate the tape 15 from the base 8 so
that the tape 15 can be cleaned or replaced after a long period of
use. The ability to separate the base 8 and tape 15 can also
provide an advantage for storage space. Although a slot is shown in
the diagrams, many other methods of removably attaching the pieces
may be utilized. Some examples might be Velcro.TM., interlocking
pieces, magnets, etc. It should also be noted that the object of
the device can be achieved if the pieces 8 and 15 are permanently
attached.
[0034] The tape 15 is a flexible ribbon-like material that attaches
to the base 8. The tape 15 can vary widely in materials and can be
provided in multiple lengths, depending on the predicted length of
the objects to be measured. In a preferred embodiment, the tape 15
is at least several inches wide and has incremented scale markings
17 indicating distances from a zero point on the tape, much like a
common yardstick. The scale markings 17 are shown in FIG. 3 as
spanning from one edge of the tape 15 to the opposite edge, except
for an area in the center of the tape where incremented numerals
are printed. It should be noted that the downward facing surface 21
of section 9 is the zero mark for measuring a fish 1. Therefore,
the first number marking on tape 15 must factor in the length of
section 10.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the tape and scale markings 17
will be highly contrasting colors, making measurement determination
possible from at least several feet away. By selecting a tape
material that is flexible, the device can be easily compacted
simply by rolling or folding the tape 15 into a small area near the
base 8.
[0036] The measurement device 18 is utilized by orienting the first
section of the base 9, having the groove 11, in a mostly horizontal
plane and the second section 10 to which the tape 15 attaches is
positioned in a vertical, downward pointing direction. This
orientation is shown in FIG. 4. By sliding the groove 11 in the
horizontal section 9 of the base 8 around the clamping jaws 4 of
the holding device 2, the base 8 can rest on the uppermost point 6
of the fish's mouth 3, which is the zero point for the measurement.
It should be noted that although a groove 11 is described as a
means of attaching the base 8 to the holder 2, a variety of other
methods exist with which to attach the base, or even the tape
directly, to a fish holder 2, while still achieving the same
object.
[0037] Gravity causes the tape 15, which is attached to the base 8,
to hang in the same downward direction as does the fish 1 hanging
from the holder 2. To ensure that the tape remains in a downward
direction, even in windy conditions, the bottom section 20 of tape
15 can be provided with a weighted object. A tubular object 19 sewn
into the end 20 of tape 15 is shown in FIG. 4. The weight could
also be clipped onto the tape 15 at any point along its length.
Other methods of attaching the weight can be just as effective.
[0038] An observer looking at the fish 1, with the tape 15 in the
background, i.e., with the fish 1 between the observer and the tape
15, can easily see at what marking 17, along the length of the tape
15, the tail of the fish 7 ends, defining the length of the fish 1.
By selecting a marking 17 color that is highly contrasting with the
selected tape 15 color, the measurement will be easily discernable
from a significant distance away from the fish and tape.
[0039] The length of the fish 1 can then be noted mentally,
recorded in a separate record book, or, as is an advantage of the
present invention, a photograph may be taken of the fish 1. Because
the color of tape 15 and markings 17 has been selected so as to
contrast with one another, and the markings are selected of a
sufficient size, the markings 17 on the tape 15 will be easily
captured by the film for later review.
[0040] In accordance with an additional feature of the present
invention, and as shown in FIG. 5, base 8 can be provided with a
strap 22 which can be used to ensure that base 8 does not become
detached from holder 2. In a preferred embodiment, strap 22 is
elastic material that can be stretched around the outside edge of
section 9 and prevents the holder 2 from exiting the slot 11 of
base 8. It should be noted that there are many other configurations
and materials that can be used for obstructing the pathway of the
groove 11 and thereby preventing the base 8 from falling off of
holder 2. For instance, the width of the groove can be reduced near
the opening, a door-type piece can be provided near the opening of
the groove, the groove can be formed in a zigzag-type pattern, or
any other similar method may be utilized.
[0041] While the object of the invention is to provide a way to
easily measure and/or record the length fish, the device 18 is not
limited to only the measurement of fish. The device 18 can be used
to measure an almost unlimited number of other objects in a manor
similar to that described in the preceding paragraphs.
* * * * *